Like JumoStart73 said...check all connections for tight/broken wire. The fact that when you "bonk" it makes it work sounds like a loose wire, but....you said it "whines'..sounds like the fan is purging the air out, but your gas valve or thermocouple is not "kicking in", allowing the gas to enter, followed by the ignitor kicking in. I'd have this checked by a pro...you don't want to fool around with this, it's just not worth it to take a chance with safety issues on the ice.
_________________________
" Whaddya mean my bobber's gone?!"